Genesis Climbs To Second In J.D. Power 2026 IQS Rankings
genesis gv70
Genesis has rocketed to No. 2 in the JD Power 2026 Initial Quality Study, up seven places from ninth a year ago. That is not just a small shove forward. It is a proper nudge up the leaderboard and a tidy reward for ironing out the bothersome bits that irritate new owners in the first 90 days.
The brand scored top three finishes across key segments, with the G70, G80, GV70 and GV80 all landing podium places. The GV70, Genesis’s best seller, and the GV80 both showed notable year over year gains, while the G80 delivered the biggest individual improvement in reported issues.
Where the gains came from
The headline winner was the G80, which saw meaningful reductions in customer-reported problems. Most of the progress came from cleaner infotainment behaviour, more dependable features and controls, and overall better usability. In plain English, owners were less likely to curse at the touchscreen and buttons.
The GV70 climbed into the top three in its segment thanks to refinements to technology interfaces and controls, making the cabin feel more intuitive and less like a gadget graveyard. The GV80 finished second in its SUV segment, picking up broad-based improvements across infotainment, features and exterior quality.
What the study actually measures
JD Power’s IQS counts problems per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. Lower is better. The 2026 study is based on responses from 78,514 purchasers and lessees of new 2026 model year vehicles, and the industry as a whole saw fewer problems in nine of 10 categories.
One stubborn troublemaker remains: infotainment. Smartphone connectivity issues, particularly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, pushed infotainment to be the only category showing increased challenges this year. So while cars are getting generally better, the phone still finds a way to ruin the moment.
None of this means Genesis is perfect. But climbing to second place in a field full of picky new-car owners is a visible sign the company is listening and responding. Fix the fiddly bits, keep the design and engineering sharp, and you move from promising to proper contender. Watch this space.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
